The Herb Mint
I want to start with the disclaimer that I am not an herbalist. Just someone with an herb “collection” that would like to dive deeper into the healing properties of herbs. All that I mention on here is through my own research. I will provide my sources at the end.
For December, I thought what better herb to dive into than mint?! I personally use mint in so many drinks. I like mint tea and lately my go to when I get coffee with friends, mint tea with steamed oat milk and two pumps of vanilla is my go to.
General
What I didn’t know about mint is how many different types of mint there are. Lemon mint, basil mint, applemint, spearmint, and peppermint to name a few. Even catnip is a type of mint! Peppermint is best known for pulling the mint oil from the leaves and for keeping bugs away. From observance, mint will take over the area you plant it in. A friend of mine has mint planted in the front yard of his house when you walk up the stairs. It completely took over that section and it smells really nice in the summer.
Historical
According to Herbs; Their Cultivation and Usage by John and Rosemary Hemphill, mint goes back to greek mythology and biblical times. The herb started growing in the Mediterranean and then moved to Britain. Since mint smells so clean, people would run the herb on their body to carry the nice aroma on them.
Medicinal
Mint is know to aid in indigestion and helps with heavy colds, abdominal pain and sleep. It is also said to help with brain function and memory, opening the mind and the senses.
Planting and Cultivating
I cannot seem to keep mint alive. I am not sure how considering it is a weed that grows like crazy in most yards but for me, nope. Dead.
What I found when researching is that mint should be planted in the spring after the end of frost season. If you are planting this outside, keep it in a container and away from other plants or in an area by itself since it will overpopulate that section. The mint plant prefers shade but if you put it in full sun and water it frequently, it should be okay. Mint likes water so you need to be careful to not waterlog the roots. I think that is where I have gone wrong with mint, watering too much causing root rot.
So, use mint when you need extra help digesting, need a good night of sleep, and need to work on your memory skills. Those that eat more natural foods and less processed foods will notice a larger difference when taking this herb since they are more connected with their bodies and nature. When we are more connected with nature, we can feel the subtle differences.
Sources
https://academics.hamilton.edu/foodforthought/Our_Research_files/mint.pdf?q=the-mint-plant-and-its-uses#:~:text=Mint%20originated%20in%20the%20Mediterranean,because%20of%20its%20attractive%20smell.
https://naturalscents.net/spirituality/mint-spiritual-meaning-192
https://www.thespruce.com/growing-mint-1402628#Mint%20Plant%20Care
Herbs; Their Cultivation and Usage by John and Rosemary Hemphill
